Arteta backs Arsenal boo boys

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta believes the club's supporters had every right to lambast the team after their woeful display in the 2-0 defeat against Swansea on Saturday.

The Emirates faithful vocalised their discontent by jeering manager Arsene Wenger and his players after they fell 15 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Yet Arteta, 30, has defended the Arsenal fans and admits they are not being given enough to cheer.

"The fans have been outstanding so far and we can't ask them to be behind us if we don't give them back what they deserve," Arteta told the Arsenal website.

"It is up to us. We will get criticised if we don't win. It is part of our jobs. The main thing is that everyone gives 100 per cent now."

Arteta believes all is not lost for Arsenal this season, even though the current period is being tagged by many observers as the low point of Wenger's historic reign as Gunners boss.

"There was a big gap last year when we were 10 points behind Spurs and we did it, but we have to start right now," Arteta said. "We had a great chance on Saturday because it was the start of two games at home and we have to be consistent if we want to be up there, but we did not do it.

"We know that results will bring everyone together. When they don't come people will be criticised - the manager, players and staff. It is our fault if we haven't done it."

Wenger has highlighted December as the key month for his side's hopes this season, with Saturday's game at home to West Bromwich Albion now taking on momentous proportions.

The Arsenal manager and his players will know that another home defeat is unthinkable against a side currently five points ahead of them in the Premier League table.